SHAMOLI

Life has thrown much tragedy Shamoli’s way, but despite all the challenges Shamoli never quits. She grew up without her parents. When she was a year old, Shamoli’s mother lost her life when some of her relatives poisoned her because of a conflict over land.

Shamoli’s father sent her to study at an Asian Aid children’s centre in Bangladesh. Within a few months, Shamoli’s father passed away from an unknown disease. Shamoli was left with no one to care for her. She does have two older brothers back in her village - however the eldest brother is married and has his own family and he does not visit her or call her. Her other brother is hearing and speech impaired, and lives with her eldest brother.

When Shamoli first arrived at our partner’s Adventist children centre in Bangladesh, she was crying all day long. One of the teachers in the centre adored Shamoli and spent time consoling her. Shamoli slowly started to adjust. She made new friends and came to love all the teachers as her family.

With the help of Asian Aid, Shamoli was able to continue her studies. Then came the time to choose her career. Shamoli always wanted to be a nurse. Florence Nightingale is her inspiration. When she heard of the Adventist Nursing College her aim was to study there. She began thinking of ways to save the money for admission. Shamoli returned home to share the news with her older brother, but he disappointed her saying she should get married now and have her own family. Her brother forced her to marry an old man in their village. But Shamoli is not a girl that quits on her dream. She fought her brother and said, “I will fulfil my dream and I will stand on my own feet and help others.” admission test in the nursing college, and through her preparation and commitment passed successfully.

Shamoli always wanted to be a nurse. Florence Nightingale is her inspiration. When she heard of the Adventist Nursing College her aim was to study there.

In addition to the financial support provided through her sponsorship, Shamoli started after-school tuition for young children to manage the costs of her academic studies.

Shamoli is now in her second year of a Diploma in Nursing Science and Midwifery at the Adventist Nursing College.

She left her home with 1000 BDT ($14 AUD) in her hand.

“Nursing studies is so expensive, and it was impossible for me to study without the help of Asian Aid. I am forever grateful to Asian Aid for helping me from the beginning to fulfil my desire.” She says, “I will become a very caring and responsible nurse.”

The water quality is poor - full of saline, a high percentage of iron, and other contaminated water substances. Children at the school have been suffering from skin-related diseases as a result of using such low-quality water.

This project will work to ensure access to safe non-potable water and sanitation services on the school campus for 700 children, 45 school staff, and their families. The project will also include building a new water filtration system for potable water, ensuring the children can access safe drinking water.

So far, project staff have installed a new pipeline along with a new pump. This pump is currently set to run water for two hours every day. Infrastructure was brought in to address pipeline backwash to ensure good water quality and old boring pipes have been removed.

In addition to providing safe potable and non-potable water for the school campus, the project will provide healthcare screening services and health-based advocacy activities, ensuring children understand the benefits of using safe water for sanitation and hygiene purposes. This will be especially crucial as the feasibility survey indicated that children in the area frequently suffer from waterborne diseases. This project will lead to better health outcomes and brighter futures for children in the school and the surrounding community.